MP rebellion builds ahead of vote to restrict protest rights

Protect the Wild has revealed that significant opposition is forming in Parliament ahead of a crucial vote on Wednesday 14 January on the government’s proposal to reclassify life sciences infrastructure, including animal testing facilities, as “key national infrastructure”.

Around 50 MPs have now confirmed to Protect the Wild that they intend to vote against the proposal. Those planning to oppose the change include MPs from across the political spectrum, including some Labour MPs.

Attempt to ban animal rights protest

The proposal would amend the Public Order Act to place animal testing facilities in the same legal category as airports, power stations, and major transport routes. Campaigners warn this would expand public order powers and restrict peaceful protest at any sites housing animal testing facilities.

The growing parliamentary dissent follows an extraordinary public response. Tens of thousands of people have contacted their MPs urging them to reject the proposal, while thousands of members of the House of Lords have also been emailed by concerned citizens calling on them to oppose the change.

Despite significant opposition from MPs, Protect the Wild believes the government is likely to gain the necessary votes to push the measure through.

Protect the Wild founder Rob Pownall said:

The fact that so many MPs are prepared to rebel shows just how controversial and ill-conceived this proposal is. Policymakers are completely out of step with public opinion on this.

Public opposition to animal testing remains substantial, Protect the Wild said, and the proposed change would effectively remove citizens’ right to express ethical, scientific, and moral objections through lawful protest without fear of criminalisation or suppression.

Pownall added:

The government is stretching the definition of ‘key national infrastructure’ beyond recognition. Animal testing facilities are not sites whose disruption threatens public safety or national stability in the way utilities or major roads might. Stretch the definition this far and it becomes meaningless and opens the door to abuse. Which industry will be next?

Featured image via the Canary